South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network

What South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network does

South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network (SGBCLLEN) is a not-for-profit incorporated association and registered charitable organisation operating in the South Gippsland and Bass Coast local government areas of Victoria, Australia. It is one of 31 Victorian Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs) and functions as a designated regional intermediary between secondary schools, industry employers, TAFE Gippsland, Federation University, local government, and community stakeholders. The organisation delivers eight active programs targeting Year 7–12 students: the annual Careers Expo, Work Experience & Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) coordination through the statewide SWL Portal, Speed Careers and Career Connect mentorship events, Inspiring Young People networking lunches, Trade Trek industry immersion tours, I Am Ready (an employment readiness program jointly delivered with two other Gippsland LLENs for students with learning barriers or disability), VIC VICE VR Headset lending, and the Broadening Horizons enterprise-skills program.

The underlying technology is light and non-proprietary at the SGBCLLEN level. The most notable technical asset is the VIC VICE VR platform — a virtual-reality career exploration system developed by Goulburn Murray LLEN in collaboration with the broader VicLLENs network, which SGBCLLEN distributes via a headset-lending program to schools across its region. All other programs are operational events and in-person placements rather than software products. There are no AI/ML capabilities, mobile apps, APIs, or proprietary technology stacks disclosed.

The business model is mission-driven, not commercial. SGBCLLEN does not charge fees; programs are free to students and schools. Revenue consists of state government funding for SWL coordination under Victoria's statewide LLEN initiative, philanthropic grants (notably the Martin Carlson Foundation), and corporate sponsorship — Marinus Link and TAFE Gippsland are gold sponsors of the annual Careers Expo. Governance rests with an elected Board of Management drawn from community, schools, TAFE, industry, and local government (Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shire Councils). Customer acquisition is event-driven and community-led, operating through direct school partnerships, regional industry networking, Facebook, and the sgbcllen.org.au website. Membership is free and open to individuals and organisations subject to Board approval.

Name

South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network

Legal name

South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network Inc

Website

https://sgbcllen.org.au

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SGBCLLEN is a regional Victorian not-for-profit that connects secondary school students with local industry, TAFE, and community through career expos, work experience placements, mentorship events, and VR-based career exploration.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Career Development and Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Center Education Programs (EDAAAFAB)

Keywords

• Youth career development
• Structured workplace learning
• School industry partnerships
• Vocational education pathways
• Employment readiness programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Korumburra

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. State Government SWL Coordination Funding: The 31 Victorian LLENs are currently funded by the state government to coordinate SWL placements for students. SGBCLLEN receives funding as part of this statewide initiative to facilitate structured workplace learning placements for VCE and VCE-VM students.
2. Charitable Organisation / Grants: SGBCLLEN is a registered charitable organisation that receives support from foundations and corporate sponsors. The Martin Carlson Foundation provides funding to support programs, and Marinus Link sponsors events such as the Careers Expo.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SGBCLLEN is a not-for-profit Local Learning and Employment Network that coordinates career development programs, structured workplace learning placements, mentor events, industry immersion tours, and employment readiness workshops for secondary school students in the South Gippsland and Bass Coast region of Victoria. It brokers relationships between schools, industry employers, TAFE Gippsland, Federation University, local government, and community stakeholders to help young people transition into further education, training, and employment.

Product overview

South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network (SGBCLLEN) operates as a portfolio of career development programs and initiatives rather than a unified software product. The organization offers eight distinct programs: Careers Expo (annual regional expo), Work Experience & SWL (structured workplace learning coordination), Speed Careers and Career Connect (mentor-based career exploration), Inspiring Young People (networking lunch mentorship), Trade Trek (industrial workplace tours), I Am Ready (employment readiness for students with barriers), VIC VICE VR Headsets (virtual reality career exploration), and Broadening Horizons (industry partnership enterprise skills). These programs work together to support students from Year 7 through Year 12 in career exploration, work readiness, and transition to further education, training, or employment. The network connects schools, industry, and community stakeholders to create pathways for young people in the South Gippsland and Bass Coast region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Careers Expo Annual event held at Korumburra Recreation Centre bringing together secondary students from schools across South Gippsland and Bass Coast. Features career presentations, exhibitors from various sectors, hands-on activities, and networking with industry professionals. Over 650 students and 40 exhibitors participate, with over 94% of students reporting the event helped their subject selections and career decisions.
• Work Experience & Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) Coordinates work placements for secondary school students. Work Experience provides 1-2 week blocks for Year 10 students. SWL enables VCE and VCE-VM students to participate in workplace components of their VET studies, typically one day per week or in blocks. Placements are listed on the statewide SWL Portal.
• Speed Careers Fast-paced career exploration program where students participate in brief discussions lasting a few minutes with multiple industry professionals, exploring diverse career pathways and discovering new fields. Delivered in schools and at regional events with up to 40 dedicated mentors per session.
• Career Connect Interactive mentor program delivered within schools where students select mentors from various fields and participate in focused 10-15 minute conversations. Students build personalised schedules to explore career paths. First piloted at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Leongatha.
• Inspiring Young People (IYP) Mentorship program connecting students with professionals from diverse industries over a networking lunch. Features keynote guest speakers who share unique career experiences to inspire secondary students across South Gippsland and Bass Coast schools.
• Trade Trek Hands-on industry immersion program through walking tours of trade and industrial workplaces. Students visit multiple sites, engage with professionals, and discover diverse career opportunities in local trades and industry sectors. Launched October 2024 with Year 11 students from Leongatha Secondary College.
• I Am Ready Employment readiness program engaging young people with learning barriers or disability. Eight-week series of workshops covering communication, technology, teamwork, problem solving and employability skills, plus workplace tours, resume writing, interview clothing shopping, and mock interviews. Co-delivered with NDCO Region 17 and two other Gippsland LLENs.
• VIC VICE VR Headsets Virtual reality career exploration platform using VR headsets to bring the world of work to life for secondary students. Immersive 3D workplace environments allow students to virtually step into various industries. Includes a Job Interview Simulator for practice. Developed by Goulburn Murray LLEN in collaboration with VicLLENs and loaned by SGBCLLEN to schools.
• Broadening Horizons Real-world learning program partnering secondary students (Years 7-10) with local industry and employers to develop enterprise skills, explore career options, and understand employer expectations. Originally developed in 2013, reimagined in 2024 with a focus on clean energy and priority industries.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 94% of students reported that the Careers Expo helped them in subject selections and career decisions
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TAFE GippslandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTAFE Gippsland is a key educational partner, hosting I Am Ready program sessions at their Leongatha campus and providing facility tours for students. They co-deliver health career programs and clean energy professional development at their facilities including the Clean Energy Hub and Trade Centre in Morwell.
• Federation University AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederation University Gippsland is a key partner in delivering career exploration programs. They co-host the Focus On Health camp where students explore university learning spaces alongside TAFE Gippsland and healthcare professionals.
• Maxima Australia GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaxima Australia Group partners with SGBCLLEN to deliver employment readiness sessions and mock interviews for students. They participate in Speed Careers Conversations events alongside YES Youth Hub and CUC Bass Coast.
• YES Youth HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYES Youth Hub co-hosts Speed Careers Conversations events with SGBCLLEN, contributing youth employment expertise and support.
• CUC Bass CoastcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCUC Bass Coast (Community University Consortium) participates in Speed Careers events and provides study assistance information at health camps, helping students understand further education and training pathways.
• South Gippsland Specialist SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth Gippsland Specialist School partners with SGBCLLEN on the Leongatha Community Garden Partnership work experience program, providing career exploration, mentoring, and hands-on gardening work for students with additional needs.
• South Gippsland Bass Coast Trade Skills AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrade Skills Alliance partners with SGBCLLEN to facilitate vocational training programs. Mark Tudor from the Alliance facilitated the Pool Lifeguard Skillset training in partnership with Life Saving Victoria.
• South Gippsland Shire CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth Gippsland Shire Council is represented on the board and partners on programs including Trade Trek, where they provided a BBQ at the final stop. They support industry immersion experiences for students.
• Bass Coast Shire CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBass Coast Shire Council is represented on the SGBCLLEN board and participates in supporting youth employment and career pathway initiatives across the region.
• Wednesday Warriors (Mirboo North)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWednesday Warriors is a community volunteer group that partners with SGBCLLEN for environmental work experience activities. Students from Mirboo North Secondary College and Primary School join them to plant native trees along the Mirboo North Boolarra Rail Trail.
• Korumburra Recreation CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Korumburra Recreation Centre (Indoor Recreation Centre) hosts the annual Careers Expo and is the office location for SGBCLLEN at 20-30 Charles St, Korumburra.
• Life Saving VictoriaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLife Saving Victoria delivers accredited Pool Lifeguard Skillset training through the partnership with SGBCLLEN and Trade Skills Alliance, enabling students to gain qualifications for local pool employment.
• National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) Region 17 ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe NDCO Region 17 Program is part of the I Am Ready Partnership alongside three Gippsland LLENs (South Gippsland Bass Coast, Baw Baw Latrobe, and Gippsland East), providing targeted support for students with disability or learning barriers.
• Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN and Gippsland East LLENcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree Gippsland LLENs jointly developed and deliver the I Am Ready Program, serving approximately 100 students from over 40 schools across 6 local government areas since 2019.
• Gippsland Southern Health ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGippsland Southern Health Service hosts health career immersion events, providing tours of their Leongatha campus and hands-on activities with healthcare professionals including dieticians, OTs, physiotherapists, and allied health assistants.
• Gippsland Tech School and SEC Hub MorwellminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGippsland Tech School and SEC Hub Morwell were featured in the Clean Energy Professional Development Day, showcasing hands-on educational resources available for schools to access.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Beacon Foundation: National NFP focused on education-to-employment partnerships between schools and employers, with a particular focus on disadvantaged students. Directly comparable in mission and program design (school-industry career programs) but operates at much greater scale across multiple states.
• The Smith Family: Major Australian charity running education and career support programs for disadvantaged young people, including partnerships with schools. Larger and national in scope, but addresses an overlapping mission of education-to-employment pathways for at-risk youth.
• Brotherhood of St Laurence: Larger, well-established Australian NFP operating education, employment, and youth programs nationally. Operates in adjacent space (youth transitions, disadvantage-focused employment) and represents a scaled incumbent whose operating model SGBCLLEN could grow toward.

Direct peers

• Gippsland East LLEN: Third Gippsland LLEN in the joint I Am Ready partnership with SGBCLLEN. Serves eastern Gippsland LGAs under the same statewide LLEN framework and offers directly comparable regional career development programs.
• Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN: Adjacent Gippsland LLEN and co-delivery partner on the I Am Ready Program alongside SGBCLLEN. Operates the same LLEN mandate in neighbouring LGAs and shares the government-funded SWL coordination model.
• Goulburn Murray LLEN: Fellow Victorian LLEN that developed the VIC VICE VR career exploration platform in collaboration with VicLLENs. Operates with the same LLEN model and government funding framework as SGBCLLEN, and is the technology partner for one of SGBCLLEN's flagship programs.

Emerging players

• Maxima Group Australia: Australian employment services provider delivering mock interviews, job readiness training, and disability employment services. A direct operating partner of SGBCLLEN on the I Am Ready Program and represents an adjacent provider in the youth employment space.

Others

• TAFE Gippsland: Primary vocational education provider in the region and core strategic partner of SGBCLLEN (hosts I Am Ready program, Clean Energy Hub, Trade Centre tours). Not a peer in the competitive sense but a deeply entwined ecosystem enabler for SGBCLLEN's program delivery.

Regional players

• Community University Consortium (CUC) Bass Coast: Regional partnership providing higher-education access support and study-assistance information to local students. Co-hosts events with SGBCLLEN and addresses an adjacent part of the student-transition pathway in the same geographic catchment.
• YES Youth Hub: Gippsland-based youth employment service that co-hosts Speed Careers Conversations with SGBCLLEN. Comparable target audience and program design, but operates across a wider Gippsland footprint rather than a designated LLEN region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/sgbcllen
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/south-gippsland-bass-coast-llen

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network